PHILADELPHIA, PA — A recent report by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center has unveiled Pennsylvania’s position as 48th in the nation for growth in solar, wind, and geothermal energy over the past decade. This finding places the Commonwealth near the bottom, highlighting a significant gap in renewable energy adoption compared to the national pace.
According to the “Renewables on the Rise 2024” report, Pennsylvania’s renewable energy production is sufficient to power less than 2% of its homes, with only 3% of electricity retail sales coming from renewable sources—a figure that has remained static since 2014. This stagnation is attributed to a lack of aggressive renewable energy policies compared to neighboring states, many of which are targeting double-digit renewable energy percentages by 2030.
Ellie Kerns, Climate and Clean Energy Advocate with the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, emphasized the untapped potential within the state. “So far, Pennsylvania has been missing out on the renewable energy party happening nationwide, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” Kerns stated. She advocates for the passage of Governor Shapiro’s Clean Energy Plan to unlock Pennsylvania’s renewable energy potential.
Despite these challenges, the report notes some progress in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Pennsylvania has experienced a remarkable 4,000% increase in EV registrations since 2013, ranking 14th nationwide. The number of EV charging ports has also grown significantly, placing the state 11th in this category. Solar power generation has tripled over the past five years, ranking Pennsylvania 26th, trailing behind states like New York and New Jersey.
Aaron Nichols, Marketing & Advocacy Specialist with Exact Solar, called for Pennsylvania to elevate its efforts. “Every state bordering Pennsylvania (except West Virginia) has much more aggressive renewable energy targets,” Nichols remarked. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to not only catch up to our neighbors, but to lead in clean energy.”
To transition Pennsylvania from a laggard to a leader in renewable energy, PennEnvironment urges lawmakers to pass key legislative measures. House Bill 2277 and Senate Bill 1190 propose that utility companies source 35% of their power from renewables by 2035. Additionally, House Bill 2275 and Senate Bill 1191 would require major polluters to fund clean energy projects and offer energy rebates to consumers.
Complementing state efforts, federal incentives under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act provide tax credits for renewable energy investments and electric vehicle purchases through 2032. These measures aim to enhance the appeal and accessibility of clean energy solutions across Pennsylvania.
“Our Renewables on the Rise report offers a timely reminder that we have an immense, largely untapped opportunity when it comes to clean energy here in Pennsylvania,” Kerns explained. The PennEnvironment report underscores the need for decisive legislative action to harness this opportunity, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the state.
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